Reebok names Nike alum Karen Reuther as new global creative director

Adidas-owned US sportswear company Reebok announced on Monday that it has appointed former Nike executive Karen Reuther as its new global creative director.

Reebok's new global creative director Karen Reuther - Linkedin: Karen Korellis ReutherIn her new role, Reuther will lead all aspects of design and brand identity across all of Reebok’s brands and channels, working in conjunction with the company’s product and marketing teams.

Reuther joins Reebok from Cast Collective, a Boston-based design, innovation and technology consultancy collective, where she served as creative director and brand psychologist, working with brands including Vans, Puma and Timberland.

Earlier in her career, she served in a number of different leadership roles at Nike over a period of twelve years, including global creative director from 2002 to 2010.

Reuther, who holds a BA in Industrial Design from Purdue University and a Master’s Degree in Business Management from Lesley University, has also served as VP creative at VF Corporation and director of consumer insights and trends at Ziba Design.

“I am incredibly excited to join Reebok,” said Reuther in a release. “This is a brand with a heritage that is unmatched, with some of the most iconic footwear silhouettes in the industry. But beyond this great heritage is an authentic fitness brand, with a unique and powerful purpose. I am particularly excited to help Reebok merge the past and the present–bringing fitness and fashion together to create the very best products on the market.”

“Karen brings a wealth of experience, both in our industry and from the outside,” commented Reebok President Matt O’Toole. “Her expertise, clear vision and leadership skills will guide our design excellence, inspire creative rigor and craft and deliver a unified global design strategy for Reebok.”

Along with her executive responsibilities, Reuther is also a regular speaker at events such as Ted Talks.